Ragini Khanna: I feel I'm a man

What happens when a man turns into a woman overnight? That's what Ragini Khanna found out when she took on the role of a Casanova, who turns into a woman in Sony Entertainment Television's new show Bhaskar Bharti.

Bhaskar Bharti is the desi adaptation of La Lola, a humourous take on a Casanova, who turns into a woman and sees life from the other side of the 'romance'. Eijaz Khan plays the Casanova.

So how did Govinda's niece, who made her television debut in Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi, find the experience of playing a man trapped in a woman's body? Rajul Hegde finds out.

What was your reaction when you first heard the concept?

All right, lets do it...

How difficult was it playing a man trapped in a woman's body?

Very difficult and challenging because the soul belongs to Bhasker but the body is of a woman. So he thinks, behaves, speaks and moves like a man but in a woman's body, which looks awkward.

I had to do all this and not look crass at the same time, so that was very difficult for me. Deeya (producer) and script supervisor Kabir Sadanand have beautifully managed the whole thing.

How do you feel when you see yourself on the screen?

I feel that I'm a man [laughs].

How did you prepare for this role?

I haven't seen La Lola but I am working on my body language, Bhaskar's thought process and his perspective of everything. I observe Eijaz even when I am not shooting, which helps me.

How is Eijaz as a co-star?

Eijaz and I shot for four days. He was very helpful and intelligent. I'm glad that he was there to guide me.

What is the inspiration behind your immense weight loss?

Actresses are expected to look pretty. Somehow nowadays the idea of pretty is being thin, wearing good clothes, having nice hair and make-up. When Radha Ki Betiyaan ended, I weighed 67 kilos. I wanted to lose weight otherwise I could not have got work as the lead. Now, I look like a buxom beauty in Bhaskar Bharti.

How did you get this role?

After Radha Ki Betiyaan ended, I auditioned for many shows. One day Deeya called me and said she was working on something and that she wanted me to do it. I don't know how they managed to make me do what they wanted. I was called for several tests and I was in. I don't care whether I was the first choice or not, but the fact is that I am doing it and am happy about it.

La Lola is a bold concept and obviously Bhaskar Bharti cannot be shown in the same way to the Indian audience. What is your take on that?

I have not watched La lola but I know how the girl looks. I know it's a bold concept. Obviously it's about sexuality because it's a man in a women's body and he is not used to having stuff, which women have.

The producers are very clear in their vision. They know what they want to communicate through their show. La Lola and Bhaskar Bharti will have their own essence. It is adapted but it is not copy of La Lola. Bhaskar Bharti is shot to suit Indian audience.

Any funny incident on the sets that you can share?

I had to shoot my first scene with Geeta, the girl who curses Bhaskar. I had to go and ask her to marry me! I have never done that to a guy let alone a girl. So that was fun.

Is Eijaz playing a cameo?

It's not a cameo. He's there whenever the story demands a male Bhaskar.

What would your reaction be if you turned into a man one morning?

Do you think it is possible? I think I will react the way Bhaskar reacted in the show [smiles].

Who would you want to be if you turned into a man?

Someone like Shah Rukh Khan. He is fabulous. I think if I meet him, my mother would be the first one to want to have an affair with him [laughs].

How did you become an actor?

I have the actor in me, you know [laughs]. Honestly, I wanted to become a singer like Michael Jackson. I learnt classical singing for 15 years and Bollywood dance, jive and salsa for eight years.

I was never interested in acting. In fact, I discouraged everyone who wanted to become an actress. One day I suddenly decided to become an actress. But I never got any roles. I have done 40 commercials so far and auditioned practically for every television show and film that came my way. I would give seven-eight auditions in a day!

But I was fortunate that I got to do Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi. I am also doing a film but cannot talk about it now.

How did your family react when you got this role?

They were really excited. My mother Kamini is my backbone -- she is my morality meter, my life and everything. My brother Amit has taught me every aspect of acting and my father Praveen taught me about production. I am blessed to have such a lovely blend of talent in the family.

Do you think Radha Ki Betiyaan didn't get its due?

It didn't get what it deserved. It was a brilliant show and I am proud of it. It taught me a lot and it is the reason why I am doing Bhaskar.